BALLOT REFERENDUM SURVIVES COMMISSIONERS’ CHALLENGE

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - August 3, 2016

Significant Topic Discussed and Deferred:
November Ballot Referendum - Commissioners in favor of having voters decide this November if the office of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds should be consolidated with the County Clerk’s office, dodged a challenge! A new resolution (Agenda Item #16-4660) that would remove the question from the ballot and replace it with an impact study was “deferred”, although public testimony was allowed. Protestors charged that racism motivated the referendum.  Commissioners for and against pushed back vigorously on the charge. It is not clear whether deferred means “dead” or if the matter will be taken up again before the November election.  

Other Significant Topics Approved or Referred to Committee:

• An ordinance  to establish the Cook County Health and Hospital System’s “Direct Access Program” which in essence is designed to provide on-going care, a medical home for primary and preventive services, and a centralized system of administration was referred to the Workforce, Housing, and Community Committee.  This program is for those who do not qualify for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and who make up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Testimony was given on the need for these services for the un/under-insured as well as undocumented workers in the county. No cost estimates were included with the resolution. (Agenda Item #16-4392)
• A $2 million grant from HUD covering a 3-year period for removal of lead based paint in homes in high risk areas in suburban Cook County was approved.
• The board approved Connecting Cook County: 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan. The plan is the result of a  $1.4M study that has been very well received, and long overdue. The plan is a comprehensive look at transportation in Cook County and incorporates rail, bus, car, and bike travel as well as freight. View the plan on the Cook County Website.  (Agenda Item #16-3634).
• A resolution in support of the White House’s Data Driven Justice Initiative was approved.  There is a broad coalition across states and counties to gather data and also to use Best Practices and data driven strategies to break the cycle of incarceration in jails.  President Preckwinkle is the Cook County sponsor and is encouraging all CC public safety stakeholders including the Chief Judge, Clerk of the Court, Public Defender and Sheriff and State’s Attorney as well as the CC Health and Hospital system to work collaboratively through the CC Justice Advisory Council to further the goals of the initiative. (Agenda Item  #16-4488)

Meeting Rules Changes Under Consideration:

• Proposed Ordinance Amendment to change the Consent Calendar day and format.  The consent calendar consists of resolutions offering formal recognition of persons and groups in the County for their work or achievement or retirement, etc. The practice itself can run for up to two hours and currently is the first order of business on the  CC board agenda.  Under the proposed Ordinance, items from the Consent Calendar could be addressed in a separate meeting prior to the Forest Preserve Board Meeting:  “Such meeting shall have as the only agenda items the reading of the resolution, discussion of the resolution, and the taking of a photo.”  The CC board members also make up the board of the Forest Preserve so they would already be present for a meeting, however, there are several committee meetings also held on this same day and this meeting would not replace the consent calendar on the Board agenda. It would only provide an opportunity to address any items in a separate meeting.  LWVCC believes the Consent Calendar process needs to be significantly shortened, and we urge the Commissioners to find a reasonable and agreeable solution. This item was referred to the Rules and Administration Committee. (Agenda Item #16-4645)
• Proposed Ordinance Amendment to “establish decorum guidelines for public speakers”.   Commissioner Steele, fed up with what he believes are rude and even defamatory comments, is asking the Board to amend the rules governing public speakers to more specifically spell out what shall not be acceptable language or conduct.  However, his proposal also includes the striking of an enforcement provision[s].  I.E., Expulsion from the meeting or being banned from giving further testimony – perhaps because these provisions have been found to be legally unenforceable.  (Agenda Item ​#16-4708)

​Observer - Diane Edmundson